Just absorb some of these numbers: 490 yards of offense; 33 first downs; 8-for-11 on third downs; 7.1 yards per offensive play; two penalties.

The numbers that stood out the most were zeros: Zero turnovers; zero punts; and it all came in sub-zero temperatures.

And it was all orchestrated by a previously obscure backup quarterback. McCown, a 34-year-old journeyman, had started all of 33 games in 10 seasons with five teams before his amazing stretch with the 2013 Bears.

While Cutler was having a strong season himself until a groin and ankle injury forced him to give way to McCown, Cutler's future with the team is growing fuzzy as McCown continues to shine. While it's not yet time to scrap the Cutler-comeback mission, who holds the edge in helping this team win down the stretch — and, in the future — is certainly growing murkier.

On Monday, the Bears scored on every possession except the last, as the star of the game, McCown, took a celebratory knee on the final play of the game. The last time the Bears didn't punt a single time was 41 years ago against the Lions.

"We're coming together at the right time," wide receiver Brandon Marshall, a strong Cutler supporter, said. "(McCown is) amazing. We really appreciate his leadership and what he's been doing for us. This guy is a special person on and off the field."

With the emergence of second-year wideout Alshon Jeffery, Chicago's dynamic duo at wide receiver has been a big reason why this offense has flourished — whether it be with McCown or Cutler. Jeffery (75 receptions for 1,193 yards and 6 TDs) and Marshall (84 catches for 1,090 yards and 9 TDs) have teamed up to form the league's top pass-catching pair, while Matt Forte (1,073 rushing yards and 573 yards through the air) is fourth in the NFL in rushing and new tight end Martellus Bennett (53 receptions for 588 yards and 5 TDs) has turned that position into an asset as well.

Still, it's hard to ignore the numbers, as well as the eye test — McCown has this new Bears' offense clicking.

McCown's five TDs on Monday (four through the air and one, well, also through the air but technically on the ground as McCown helicoptered in for a rushing TD) were the most by a Bears quarterback since Johnny Lujack had six 64 years ago.

McCown had a 141.9 passer rating. And did I mention it was COLD. Like negative-8-wind-chill kind of cold.

While it wouldn't be prudent to erase the last two ugly losses, one to the Rams and the other to the Vikings, the fact that McCown and the offense stepped up in a big way during Monday's do-or-die scenario says a lot about their character.

And it makes Trestman's job of deciding when, and even if, to mesh Cutler back into the offense that much tougher.

"This is one time," offensive lineman Jordan Mills said with a smile, "that I'm glad it's not my decision."

The Broncos (515 points and 39.6 points per game) are the only team in the NFL to score more points than the Bears (368, 28.3 ppg). Cutler is the face of the team after Brian Urlacher retired, but he is also 30 years old and has missed 12 of the last 35 games with four different injuries.

Cutler used his strong arm and his leadership skills early on to help build his argument for more money when it's time to negotiate his contract at the end of the season. McCown has since gone out there and mucked it all up.

Maybe.

Or maybe not.

"There's no change in the plan," Trestman said. "We'll see where Jay is this week. He'll have to be released by the doctors. When Jay's ready to play, he'll be playing."

McCown is the hot hand, but he's also playing over his head. History — both McCown's and the NFL's — tells us that hot hand will cool off. At McCown's age, that could come any day.

Now is not the time to trash the relationship with a fragile Cutler and show him the bench. While it's getting harder and harder to buy, the QB Whisperer (Trestman) is right: When Jay is ready, go with Cutler.